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Where To Stay in Bali: The Chillhouse in Canggu
Here's the third part of my four part Bali series. I apologize that it took quite some time. I've been working on on my You...
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How to Get A Visa for Your Trip to Italy
When planning your trip to Paris, Italy or to any European country in the Schengen area, it's important to study what the requirements are. Each country has its own set of requirements. Jacob and I first applied for a Schengen Visa through the French Embassy because this the country where we were staying the longest. It doesn't matter if you're flying into Germany but if majority of the duration of your trip is in France then apply through the French Embassy not the German Embassy.
However, both of us got denied on our first try because we were lacking a document. When we got our rejection letter, it said "Insufficient explanation for the purpose and circumstances of the planned stay." It's quite a vague statement. We couldn't figure out what went wrong but we had our guesses. We asked for opinions from other people and they suggested to appeal or try again in a different embassy. The first option was out of the question because based on my research, appeals can take up to two months before you get a decision and we didn't have time since we were flying out in April already. We decided to go with the second option and try through the Italian Visa instead. We had to change our itinerary and instead of staying longer in Paris, we made the bulk of our trip in Italy instead. We also decided to get a travel agent to assist us to be sure. We chose Dominican Travel. You can contact Jovel at 0999 807 2032. He helped us by double checking our requirements and lining up for us at the embassy since the lines are long.
Here are the requirements for the Italian Embassy:
1. Filled out application form (Check the latest version)
2. Valid Passport
3. 2 Passport-size Photos
4. Letter to the Embassy (Introduce yourself and write why you are going to Italy)
5. Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (We bought ours at Malayan Insurance)
6. Round Trip Tickets (To prove that you're going home)
7. Complete Detailed Itinerary (Be as specific as possible. Indicate the mode of transportation to and from, train/ plane tickets and if you're going on tours, include the tickets too)
8. Hotel Reservation or Proof of Accommodation
9. Proof of Employment (Letter of Leave of Absence, Certificate of Employment)
10. Proof of Sufficient Funds (Bank Statement, Income Tax Return, Credit Card Statement, Payslips) If you're being sponsored by a company/ person, you will need their proof of funds as well and a letter of sponsorship.
11. Birth Certificate/ Marriage Certificate
12. Visa Fee (Php1,400 Processing Fee + Php3, 688 Service Fee)
13. Submit all the documents to:
VIA CENTRE MAKATI
3rd Floor, Allegro Center
2284 Chino Roces Extension
Barangay Magallanes, Makati City 1232
It takes two weeks to a month to find out if your application was accepted or rejected. It takes a little longer compared to other embassies. Honestly, planning your trip to Europe is really stressful but once you're there, it makes it all worth it. Just look at these photos from Milan. These are just some of my favorite. I still have so much to share with you!
Good luck! Feel free to comment below if you have any issues applying. I'll try my best to help.
When planning your trip to Paris, Italy or to any European country in the Schengen area, it's important to study what the requirements are. Each country has its own set of requirements. Jacob and I first applied for a Schengen Visa through the French Embassy because this the country where we were staying the longest. It doesn't matter if you're flying into Germany but if majority of the duration of your trip is in France then apply through the French Embassy not the German Embassy.
However, both of us got denied on our first try because we were lacking a document. When we got our rejection letter, it said "Insufficient explanation for the purpose and circumstances of the planned stay." It's quite a vague statement. We couldn't figure out what went wrong but we had our guesses. We asked for opinions from other people and they suggested to appeal or try again in a different embassy. The first option was out of the question because based on my research, appeals can take up to two months before you get a decision and we didn't have time since we were flying out in April already. We decided to go with the second option and try through the Italian Visa instead. We had to change our itinerary and instead of staying longer in Paris, we made the bulk of our trip in Italy instead. We also decided to get a travel agent to assist us to be sure. We chose Dominican Travel. You can contact Jovel at 0999 807 2032. He helped us by double checking our requirements and lining up for us at the embassy since the lines are long.
Here are the requirements for the Italian Embassy:
1. Filled out application form (Check the latest version)
2. Valid Passport
3. 2 Passport-size Photos
4. Letter to the Embassy (Introduce yourself and write why you are going to Italy)
5. Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (We bought ours at Malayan Insurance)
6. Round Trip Tickets (To prove that you're going home)
7. Complete Detailed Itinerary (Be as specific as possible. Indicate the mode of transportation to and from, train/ plane tickets and if you're going on tours, include the tickets too)
8. Hotel Reservation or Proof of Accommodation
9. Proof of Employment (Letter of Leave of Absence, Certificate of Employment)
10. Proof of Sufficient Funds (Bank Statement, Income Tax Return, Credit Card Statement, Payslips) If you're being sponsored by a company/ person, you will need their proof of funds as well and a letter of sponsorship.
11. Birth Certificate/ Marriage Certificate
12. Visa Fee (Php1,400 Processing Fee + Php3, 688 Service Fee)
13. Submit all the documents to:
VIA CENTRE MAKATI
3rd Floor, Allegro Center
2284 Chino Roces Extension
Barangay Magallanes, Makati City 1232
It takes two weeks to a month to find out if your application was accepted or rejected. It takes a little longer compared to other embassies. Honestly, planning your trip to Europe is really stressful but once you're there, it makes it all worth it. Just look at these photos from Milan. These are just some of my favorite. I still have so much to share with you!
Good luck! Feel free to comment below if you have any issues applying. I'll try my best to help.
Short but Sweet Stay at Hotel des Grands Boulevards Paris
Where you choose to stay in Paris matters because each district has its own charm. The city is divided into 20 neighborhoods or what they call as arrondissements. Now I won't dive into all but I will give a brief overview. The 1st arrondissements is the most luxurious- as it surrounds the Louvre. This is where all the 5-star hotels are located. The 2nd and 3rd arrondissements are business districts. There aren't so many sites in these areas. While the 4th (Le Marais) and the 5th (Latin Quarter) are good areas to stay in as it's much cheaper. Just bare in mind that these areas are where a lot of the younger crowds hang out in as there are a lot of cafes and bars. It can be a bit noisy but nothing too crazy. The 6th arrondissement is St. Germain which is personally my favorite district as there are a lot of boutique stores and trendy cafes. The 7th and 8th arrondissements are also a tourist favorite as these are right by the famous Eiffel Tower.
During our visit to Paris in April, we stayed at Hotel des Grands Boulevards which is located at the 2nd arrondissement. Although it wasn't that near to the popular tourist sites, the amenities and location were great. It was quiet and tucked away from the crowd. It's an ideal hotel for those who prefer somewhere more relaxing.
We stayed at their Superior Saint Fiacre Room which had its own spacious bathroom and balcony.
 |
| Bathroom Toiletries c/o the hotel |
My favorite place in the hotel was restaurant. Look how beautiful it is! I couldn't help but snap an #ootd photo.
Where you choose to stay in Paris matters because each district has its own charm. The city is divided into 20 neighborhoods or what they call as arrondissements. Now I won't dive into all but I will give a brief overview. The 1st arrondissements is the most luxurious- as it surrounds the Louvre. This is where all the 5-star hotels are located. The 2nd and 3rd arrondissements are business districts. There aren't so many sites in these areas. While the 4th (Le Marais) and the 5th (Latin Quarter) are good areas to stay in as it's much cheaper. Just bare in mind that these areas are where a lot of the younger crowds hang out in as there are a lot of cafes and bars. It can be a bit noisy but nothing too crazy. The 6th arrondissement is St. Germain which is personally my favorite district as there are a lot of boutique stores and trendy cafes. The 7th and 8th arrondissements are also a tourist favorite as these are right by the famous Eiffel Tower.
During our visit to Paris in April, we stayed at Hotel des Grands Boulevards which is located at the 2nd arrondissement. Although it wasn't that near to the popular tourist sites, the amenities and location were great. It was quiet and tucked away from the crowd. It's an ideal hotel for those who prefer somewhere more relaxing.
We stayed at their Superior Saint Fiacre Room which had its own spacious bathroom and balcony.
|
| Bathroom Toiletries c/o the hotel |
My favorite place in the hotel was restaurant. Look how beautiful it is! I couldn't help but snap an #ootd photo.
My Top 5 Instagram Spots in Paris, France
Paris is my favorite city in the world. The last time I was there before my trip last April was three years ago with my family. I've travelled to a lot of different countries since then and yet nothing comes close to my love for Paris. No matter how many times you visit, a different emotion will evoke. I've rounded up my top 5 places that you cannot miss on your trip to Paris. This is also where you can get that perfect photo for Instagram!
Address: Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France
This is also known as the Paris Opera. It has been on the top of my list ever since but during my last two visits to Paris the opera was closed. Third time is really the charm. It was finally open when I went in April. It was more beautiful than I could ever imagine. I'm a huge fan of the Phantom of the Opera which was inspired by Palais Garnier. We booked the guided tour for 14 euros each. It was worth it because the tour guide gave us a lot of inside information. She even showed us the box where the phantom was rumored to hide in.
 |
| This photo was taken from the balcony of the opera on the 2nd floor |
The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. People from around the world travel to this city just to see the 300m monument. On Rue de l'Universite, you get the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower from this narrow street. It's less crowded and away from the tourists who usually go to Trocadero for their photos. This neighborhood also has a lot of hip cafes that you should check out.
Paris is my favorite city in the world. The last time I was there before my trip last April was three years ago with my family. I've travelled to a lot of different countries since then and yet nothing comes close to my love for Paris. No matter how many times you visit, a different emotion will evoke. I've rounded up my top 5 places that you cannot miss on your trip to Paris. This is also where you can get that perfect photo for Instagram!
Address: Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, France
This is also known as the Paris Opera. It has been on the top of my list ever since but during my last two visits to Paris the opera was closed. Third time is really the charm. It was finally open when I went in April. It was more beautiful than I could ever imagine. I'm a huge fan of the Phantom of the Opera which was inspired by Palais Garnier. We booked the guided tour for 14 euros each. It was worth it because the tour guide gave us a lot of inside information. She even showed us the box where the phantom was rumored to hide in.
|
| This photo was taken from the balcony of the opera on the 2nd floor |
The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. People from around the world travel to this city just to see the 300m monument. On Rue de l'Universite, you get the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower from this narrow street. It's less crowded and away from the tourists who usually go to Trocadero for their photos. This neighborhood also has a lot of hip cafes that you should check out.
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